DixieDavenport

Please name a day and time. Any evening other than Tues nights before 9pm are good for me. Wed, Thrus and Fri are best if I know about them before. I'd love to get to know everyone in Hazzard! DixieDavenport

It was a warm summer night. Bo and Luke found Jesse on the front porch with a cup of coffee when they returned form their evening chores. "Where is everyone?" asked Luke. "Well, Daisy has a friend over. So Jeb, Vance and Coy decided to head for 'high ground' so to speak. They went camping and fishing out on the back forty." Luke laughed, "Oh, yeah, I heard Dixie ask you if she could stay over today. Do you want us to go check on the guys?" Offered Luke. Jesse sipped his coffee, "No, Jeb is with them they should be fine, but thanks for offering." Bo and Luke each took a spot on the steps. "So where are the girls?" asked Luke. Jesse smiled, "I hope you fellows don't have to go to the bathroom anytime soon. I've heard them in and out of there all evening. They are in Daisy's room now." Bo replied with a grumble, "Oh, man!" "Now, Bo, it will do Daisy some good to have a girlfriend around." replied Luke. "Especially since Robin hasn't been around for so long." Luke said a bit lower. "By the way, you don't seem to mind when Jill comes to stay over." "Now, Luke that's different. At least when Jill comes over they don't tie up the bathroom." Bo fumed. "Now, boys. You five are always having company. Just leave them be. Besides, we need to talk." said Jesse. "So go get you a cup of coffe or glass of tea and get comfortable." Bo started up off the step, "Yes, Sir." Luke also was standing by now, "Uncle Jesse, we aren't planning to go anywhere. The boys are gone and the girls are hibernating in the house. Would you mind if I go to the barn for something to drink?" Bo's eye lit up hopeful, glad his cousin had asked. Jesse considered this. He nodded his approval. "A quart, Luke." "Yes, Sir, Thanks." He said heading for the barn. "I'll get the glasses." said Bo. Bo eagerly returned to the porch with the three jelly glasses before Luke returned form the barn. Luke returned, handed Jesse the jar of shine. Jesse poured them each a small glass of shine, setting the remained behind him in the swing. After they had all had several sips, Jesse started, "Now, Bo, Luke and I have had many talks about this and I know we've had a few ourselves. Due to what went on last weekend I feel the need for us to all talk about this again." He paused, "You are both eighteen, Jeb isn't too far behind. You can all be a great benefit to me, to this family. J.D. (Hogg) knows this. He is becoming greedy. He thinks if he can stop you kids he'll put me out of business. I have always been able to make us a living, without help, but J.D. is growing. Some of the customers are not after quality, some are after cheap, and others would turn to him if I couldn't supply them....." he trialed off. Not liking how this was sounding. "I love you boys more than life itself. For me it's not about the business. J.D. on the other hand sees you all as a threat to his business. Now, Luke let himself be goaded into a race which got him a ticket. Yes, he worked extra and paid it, so all's forgotten. Right? ..... Well, wrong. I know Rosco, he is in J.D.'s pocket. He has been a top notched Sheriff, but for years J.D.'s had a hold on him. He won't forget that ticket. I know him he is out to get you both. Luke, you heard what Judge Hardcastle said about the second offense for racing." Luke took a sip of shine, "Yes, Sir." "Well, that's what Rosco is setting up. He gave you a ticket, now, the next time he catches you he will push to lock you up." stated Jesse. "I have heard you guys get together and race out at the lake." Jesse paused. Bo and Luke just looked at each other wondering how he knew that. Jesse continued. "Never mind how I know that. Rosco caught you racing at the lake. I can talk and talk to I'm blue in the face, but if you go back out there racing he will catch you again. It may not be tonight, tomorrow or next year but he will catch you again." Jesse saw the look on Bo's face. He's thinking it wouldn't have happened to him. "Luke did you have a choice in getting that ticket?" Luke looked up surprised, "No, of course not! Rosco boxed me in tight in the front, there was a bank on the right a fifty foot drop on the left, then that jack a-- stopped behind me. He looked happy when he shut off the motor like Rosco was there to ask us to a church dinner!" exclaimed Luke. Jesse held up a hand to stop Luke's out burst. "My point is,... Bo, had you been driving you would have been just as blocked." stated Jesse. Following Jesse's lead, "Yeh, you were there. You saw it. He had me. He had me dead to rights." Though Bo couldn't help to think he could have gotten out of it he agreed, "Yeah, I know." he said not conviencing either Luke or Jesse. Jesse refilled their glasses. "Another thing. Luke you are operating as a 'free agent' again these days. Bo you have always played the field. Don't miss the fact that J.D. and Rosco can play dirty. They could try to set you up having a underage girl have you buy them a beer, or worse yet take her to bed. Please, boys watch your selves and you A---!" cautioned Jesse. They both answered, "Yes, Sir." at the same time. "Well, I'm going to try to get into the bathroom and turn in. Luke you have an early day tomorrow and I'll need you both tomorrow night." said Jesse as he got up leaving the half filled Mason jar on the swing. "Good night boys." he said as he walked away from them. They looked at the jar and then to the retreating form of their Uncle, and said again in unison, "Good night, Uncle Jesse." "Think he could be right?" asked Bo. Luke considered it for a long minute, "Yeah, I do."

I loved part 2. You have got a handle on the characters! Watching for more posts. If you have read any of mind, please message me with your opinion. Thanks! DixieDavenport P.S. You can have Bo, I want Luke! LOL

As Jesse and Luke exited the Judges' office, Enos called "Ralph Green and all parties having interest in this case." No one in the waiting area moved. Enos called again, "Ralph Green." Luke checked his watch. The time was 10:30 am. Both tickets were set for court at 10:00 am. Exiting the Court house, Ralph was just getting out of his car. He gave Luke an evil look as they passed. He had barely had enough gas to make it to Court. When Ralph arrived in the Judges' office he was 35 minutes late. Judge Hardcastle had promised if there was a next time and he was late he'd be very sorry. Ralph's fine was set at $100 and he was given 30 days to pay it. "Looks like I'm going to be broke from this all month." thought Ralph. NARRATOR: Looks like his mouth just cost him about $200, a $100 for the fine, and $100 to Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse and Luke went over to the Hazzard Garage before returning home. Dixie was at her usual place by the phone where she could see cars pulling up to the pumps. Today had been slow and she was on the phone. "..... Do you really think I could?" she said in to the phone. "Oh, thanks, I think I can find out soon and let you know in a few minutes. I'll call you right back." she said. She turned on all her young charm as she walked up to Jesse. "Uncle Jesse, Daisy asked me to spend the night with her tonight. Would it be OK with you?" she almost pleaded. Jesse laughed, "Why, sure you can! You know how I feel, the more the merrier. As long as it's OK with your Father." he reminded. "Thank you! I'll go find Daddy now." She beamed. Cooter, Luke and Jesse just watched her bounce out of the garage. They all laughed at her. "So what happened?" asked Cooter. "He set the fine at $75 which I already paid thanks to those extra hours you gave me." Luke said a bit of relief showing in his voice. "Anything for a friend." said Cooter, "Care to repay the favor?" Luke questioned with a smile, "You want my hours?" Cooter said, "No, nothing that simple. I've got a big job changing a motor. Can you help me out?" Luke looked to Jesse, "Jesse?" He questioned. "I reckon if you help me today I can spare you a couple days." replied Uncle Jesse. Cooter replied, "Great. I'll finish up all this, clean up in here and be ready to go first thing in the morning." "I can do that." replied Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Duke Farm: After supper the girls went to Daisys' room. "I am so glad you invited me over, Daisy." she looked at Daisy's room she hadn't been in Daisy's room since she was about three. It wasn't expensively furnished but was the same room that Jesse had painted pink and white for her when she first came to live on the farm. "I can't believe I'm really spending the night HERE." said Dixie. Daisy looked at her a bit puzzled. "Like you have never stayed here before." Dixie replied, "That's when I was what three?" Daisy laughed, "Dixie, you know you are family and welcome any time." said Daisy. "What would you like to do this evening?" Dixie looking a bit embarrassed, "I need someone to talk to Daisy." Daisy plopped down on the bed, "Well, Honey, I'm a good listener." "This is girl stuff and I didn't want to call Mom. Dad and Cooter would never understand." she paused. "I am hoping to convience Dad and Mom to let me stay this fall and go to school here." "That's great. But what's the problem?" questioned Daisy. Dixie said quietly, "It seems everyone is treating me like a kid. I need to do something to make them see I'm not a kid." "What do you have in mind?" questioned Daisy. Dixie shook her head, "I was hoping you'd have an idea." "Well, I know you have been a big help to your Dad at the Garage...." Daisy was interupted. Dixie said, "It's not really him....." she paused. "All the guys here know Cooter. Now, they know me as his 'little' sister, the brat at the garage." Daisy was seeing where this was going. "Is there any 'guy' you'd like to impress." Dixie shrugged her shoulders, "Not really." she fibbed. "I'd just like to be noticed and not as Cooter's little sister." Daisy saw the cute teen setting before her looking up to her. She had her hair pulled back in a pony tail, wearing a Sweatshirt of Cooter's that was too large for her, with jeans, a cap, and tennis shoes. Daisy had always been a 'tomboy' chasing behind Bo and Luke, but she too had went through this stage only about a year ago. Smiling, she said, "Stand up here a minute." Daisy took in her size figuring they were about the same size. "I've got an idea. Are you game?" "If I weren't I wouldn't be here." said Dixie. "Great! Come on." Daisy grabbed a thick bath robe from her closet. In the hallway she took two large bath towels and wash cloth from a closet. They walked to the bathroom. Daisy showed her where things were and told her she'd meet her in her room. Daisy went to her room and was searching her closet and dresser drawers when Dixie returned from her bath. She was in Daisy's robe with her hair wrapped in the towel. "What do you think we start with the hair?" Dixie looked a bit scared, "My hair?" "Sure, just a bit and if I mess up it will always grow back." Daisy joked. "Besides I cut mine." "Well, Ok, then." Dixie said with a fading thought, "No turning back now." Daisy combed Dixie's hair. She looked it over. Picking up the scissors, she began to 'feather' the front of Dixie's hair and just took the broken ends off the back. "Now run wash it again real fast." Daisy instructed as she cleaned up the mess. When Dixie returned it looked like she had walked into a beauty parlor. Daisy had set out hot curlers, curling irons, hair dryer, along with several makeup cases. "Daisy!" Dixie sqeaked, "I came to Hazzard to get away from being so girlish. I think you have more stuff than my Mom." "Now, Sugar, there is nothing wrong with being a 'tomboy' as long as you look like a girl doing those things. Trust me." smiled Daisy. "If you don't like it you can wash it out and we'll try something else." "OK, you win." replied Dixie with a laugh. Daisy dried her hair, rolled the back with hot curlers, curled the front with the curling iron. In a very few minutes she was taking the curlers out and combing Dixie's hair into place. She had turned Dixie from the mirror so she couldn't peak. She applied a little coverup on the couple of pimples on Dixie's face. She continued with a little eye shadow and mascara. Though her face had it's own color to it Daisy decided to do the works but with a soft touch. A very thin line of eyeliner was applied, a slight touch of ruge, the slightest bit of pink lipstick, and a little facial powder. Next Daisy wen to her jewerly box and handed Dixie a pair of dangly earrings and a simple necklace with a 'music note' charm on it. Daisy serveyed her work. "Ok, now hold still a minute." She took a sheet and covered the large mirror. "Now, put these on." She handed Dixie some paney hose, then a deniem skirt that was just abouve the knee, and a pair of her high heels. Once she had gotten them on she found a red sleeveless top that bottoned up part way. After Dixie had put it on, though her and Daisy was were about the same size something wasn't right. "Ok, wait a minute. Take it back off and let's try it again with this on." She took out a bra from her draw made a few adjustments. "Now, try that." Dixie did as instructed. Daisy looked her work up and down. "That's more like it. Are you ready?" "Sure." said Dixie. She was expecting to see 'Cooter's little sister' in the mirror with Daisy's clothes. Daisy uncovered the mirror. Dixie was speechless. "What do you think." asked Daisy excitedly. All Dixie could say was, "WOW!" They sqealed and laughed so hard it brought Jesse down the hall from the living room. He knocked on the door, "Is everything OK, girls?" A burst of laughter was his reply followed quickly, "Yes, Uncle Jesse, everything is fine. Sorry we disturbed you." said Daisy. "I'm sorry too." said Dixie. Laughing to himself he told them, "Guess I'm just use to rough housing boys than girls. Have fun ladies." He went beck to his paper and coffee in the living room. Daisy had Dixie trying on half her wardrobe before the evening was done. Much laughter was heard from the room.

I loved it. Boreguard JACKSON? It fits. General Jackson. Can't wait to read more. DixieDavenport

I am from the OLD SCHOOL too. I watched DUkes Of Hazzards first show for the first time. I don't think I will lilke the new movie but intend to watch it just to see what Hazzard has become. I may like it. But the others are right --- Hazzard is a place for us al to come and fell welcome. Yes, we know there are Boss Hoggs in the world only after the money -- but if you recall Boss even had a good side occassionaly. Remember Uncle Jesse is watching and we should ALL strive to be good citizens of Hazzard. Have a good New Year!!!!!!!!!!! DixieDavenport

Wednesday Morning NARRATOR: Before Boss Hogg got his hands in the 'Cookie Jar', Hazzard, Placid and Chickasaw Counties had two Judges that would travel to each of the Counties at least once a week to hear everything from parking and traffic tickets to more serious felonies. It was also their duty to arraign (set a bond) for anyone arrested within 24 hours of their arrest. Being that these were small Counties with very low crime rates, each Judge only had to work a few hours a week on most weeks. Bright and early Wednesday morning, the Tri-County Judge, Milton Hardcastle arrived in Hazzard Square. It was a bright, warm summer morning as he made his way to the Court House. Once in the Court House, Trainee Straight brought the Judge the weekly files in his small office. Amoung the parking tickets were the two new tickets for Luke Duke and Ralph Green for racing. Judge Hardcastle began reading the files. Sheriff Coltrane barged through the door. "Did you see? I told you I'd get those Dukes!" Judge Hardcastle looked up annoyed, "Sheriff, this is my office and the door was closed." "Oooo, but, I got'em!" studered Rosco. "Unless you want me to throw all of these out of Court and hold you in Contempt, you will go back out, shut the door, take a seat and wait for me to call you. It's not like you caught the James gang with a bank bag full of money. You caught a couple of young men racing for goodness sake." the Judge fumed. Rosco tuked his tail and left the office like a whipped pup. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse more than suggested taking the pickup to town instead of the General. Luke joined him in the pickup. Both Luke and Jesse were dressed up a bit. Luke wore a new pair of jeans with a new blue plaid shirt in his wallet he carried the $100 won from Ralph--that Jesse didn't know about and also the $150 he had made working at the gargae. He just hoped $250 would be enough. Jesse along with a new set of bib-overhauls he wore a sport jacket. Jesse was unsure how much cash Luke had so he had went to the bank and taken out $300 that he needed to make the payment on the farm. He hoped not to have to use it but he would to keep Luke out of jail. He just didnt' want Luke to know that. They entered the booking area of the Courthouse to find Rosco setting outside the Judges' office. Jesse and Luke took seats across from him. Several minutes later the Judges' door opened, the Judge called, "Luke Duke and all parties having interest in this case." Luke, Jesse, Rosco, and Trianee Straight entered the office. The Judge was dressed in his black robe. He spoke to Enos Straight who would be baliffing for the Court. "I think we can do this informally in here rather than the big Courtroom." "Yes, Sir." answered Enos. The Judge pushed record on a small tape player. Enos called the Court to order. Judge Hardcastle began, "Mr. Luke Duke is it?" Luke spoke up, "It would be 'Lucas'." "Can I see you identification, Mr. Duke?" asked the Judge. Luke supplied the Judge with his driver's license. Judge Hardcastle studied the license. "Sheriff Coltrane, you wrote this ticket to a 'Luke Duke'. Mr. Duke just supplied me with a license for a 'Lucas Duke'. Is this the gentleman you stopped and ticketed?" "Ooohh, ooohh, yeah, yes it is." stammered Rosco. "Did you check out his license?" questioned the Judge. Rosco replied, "Yes, I did." "How did you run him? By Lucas or Luke Duke?" the Judge questioned futher. Rosco thought for a minute. Knowing his answer would decide if Luke walked or not. "I ran his driver's license number." "So you didn't pay attention to the name on the license you just ran the number?" the Judge was already aggravated with Rosco. "I ran the number. The picture was on the license was of the young man I know as Luke Duke. I just wrote the ticket out to Luke Duke because that's how I know him." Rosco tried to explain. "Sheriff, I am a stickler for detail. I'll give you this one. Next time there is a variation I will throw it so far out of Court you won't believe." said the Judge. Luke cursed to himself. He thought for a minute the Judge would throw it out this time. The Judge got serious, "Mr. Duke, you received a ticket for racing. In this County it is illegal to race a car on a public road unless of course it has been posted temporarily as a racing area. Was this stretch of road so posted by a race offical?" Luke answered clearly, "No Sir." "Then how do you plead to this charge of racing?" questined Judge Hardcastle. Though Luke was a bit worried he tried to answer clearly, "Guilty, you Honor." He said, knowing he had been guilty of the charge. He also knew that he would have to pay but Jesse had taught him that lying would get him no where. Judge Hardcastle opened a file folder, read it for a minute or two, then said, "This is your first offense. I could have thrown it out of Court, thanks to our Sheriff's blunder, but I won't because he'd just take out a warrant and this whole thing would be drawn out." explained the Judge. "There is no jail time for first offense Racing. The fine can be from $50 to $100. For a second offense the fine is $50-$500 and/or 6-60 days in jail." the Judge paused for effect. "Normally I fine and sentence as high as I can go, because I figure that most people may have gotten away with whatever theywere charged with at least once before. Due to the Sheriffs blunder I am going to set your fine at $75 and give you 30 days to pay it." Luke set up even straighter, and replied. "Thank you Judge. I can pay the fine now if that's OK." Rosco was fuming. Luke paid his fine, walking out of the Court room with $75 in his pocket. Not to mention the $300 Jesse had he didn't know anything about. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Happy New Year Hazzard!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to wish all of Hazzard a Great New Year!!! DixieDavenport

"Kew kew kew....Boss. I got them. I got them ths TIME!!!" stated the excited Sheriff. "So you have them in jail?" asked Boss Hogg doubting his Sheriff a little. Rosco's smile faded, "Well, no, Boss. See I looked it up. I could only give them a ticket this time. There is no jail time until the second offense, so I wrote that Luke Duke and that Steele guy a ticket. After Wednesday, I just need to catch either of them one more time and they are off to the hoos-cal!" laughed Rosco. "Well, now, well, and well! I got to give you credit for looking up the Code there Rosco. Next time you will have them dead to rights!" stated Boss. "I want them Dukes off the road. Do you hear me?" "Yes, Sir, Ree! Next time I catch them racing they are MINE!" said Rosco. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hazzard Garage It was still early in Hazzard when Luke pulled up to the garage. He climbed out of the General Lee and went in the garage through the smaller door. Cooter was there under the hood of a car that belonged to Agent Bucannon. "Hey there Cooter, what ya doing?" asked Luke. Cooter sighed, "It seems the ATF wants us to install a Turbo Charger in this. They are hoping it will help them catch some of those allusive 'moonshiners'." stated Cooter. Luke's eye got wide. Cooter continued, "Never fear! When have we let y'all down? You know Dad always makes sure you have at least 20 plus more horses than they do." "Yeah, but we can't compete with these." said Luke. "Mistakes can happen. Who's to say it will work right?" said Cooter in a low voice. Lukes eyes went wide. "You mean....." "Hey as long as they think it is working what's the harm?" Cooter asked. They both smiled an evil grin and had a gut busting laugh. Luke decided it was time for him to tell Cooter why he was really here. "Say, Cooter, I know you and Kathy are getting pretty close. Would you like some more time to spend with her?" asked Luke. "You are purposing what?" asked Cooter. "Nothing major, just I think I will need some extra money for Wednesday. You probably want more time with Kathy. I figured you might like me to work some of your shifts with the wrecker." suggested Luke. Cooter thought for a minute. It would mean less money for him but IT MAY be worth it in the long run. "Sure. Anything for a friend in need." replied Cooter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Luke returned to the General, Dixie was coming back from Ruebottoms. "Luke." she called. He stopped and waited for her. "Hey, there, Dixie." He said friendly. Dixie asked, "Is everything OK?" "Yeah, sure. What do you mean?" asked Luke. She confessed, "I was listening to the scanner the other night." Luke looked a bit confused, "You mean the night I got the ticket? OK, but how did you know it was me?" He knew Rosco hadn't mentioned his name on the radio. She smiled and blushed slightly, "I heard you tag number." Luke was letting this sink in when she continued, "CNH-320." There was a bit of silence between them for a minute before she continued. "How much trouble are you in?" Luke smiled a bit, "Not nearly as much as I thought I'd be in with Jesse anyway. You'll probably get tired of looking at me this week. I am going to work some extra hours so I can have money when I see the Judge Wednesday." "You don't think you'll go to jail or anything do you?" she asked worriedly. Luke smiled. She really seemed concerned. "No, I think if it was jailable Rosco would have arrested me the other night." "You are probably right." she said. "My plan is to hopefully be able to pay the ticket that day. So I plan to work some of Cooter's wrecker shifts." he explained. "That sound like a good idea. Let me know if you want any company on the calls." she said causally. "Sure thing, Kiddo. I've got to get going. Jesse plans to also keep me busy. He wasn't real happy." he said as he slide in the General and started him up. "I can imagine. " Dixie said to herself as she entered the garage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ For the next few days Luke worked the farm, ran wrecker calls, and delivered shine. Not to mention hauling supplies for Jesse up to the stills so he could make his famous brew. Though Hazzard was a small County it sure was seeming like it had more than its fair share of wrecker calls. By Tuesday night Luke was beat, he had talked to Luther Davenport and had gotten paid up to midnight Tuesday night.

Dixie heard the tag number called in. "Oh, brother!" she had also heard the tickets issued. "Great!" Now Jesse would really be mad and ground Luke for racing she thought. Uncle Jesse will either ground him and I won't get to see much of him or MAYBE he'll work at the garage MORE to pay the ticket. The later thought did make her smile. The guys had been right. Rosco was so pleased with himself he didn't even think about the fact that the others were drinking. Luke and Ralph each got in their cars and returned to the others. Cooter, Bo, Jeb and Mark gathered as Luke pulled back in. "Congratulations! ........ I think." said Cooter, handing Luke the $200 prize money. "Yeah." sighed Luke, "I think I might just need that Wednesday." he said as he handed the ticket over. "Well Cousin, looks like your luck couldn't hold out forever. You made it almost seven months without a ticket!" grinned Bo. "Bo!" Luke growled. Ralph was now very upset. He marched over to Robin and said, "We're going." Taking her by the hand rather ruffly. They got in his car and quickly left. Luke on the other hand was letting Sarah 'make him feel better'. "Come on, I can make you forget all about that ticket!" she exclaimed. He figured that he wouldn't hear the end of this for quiet awhile so he'd better make the best of it. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Dawn Hazzard County Rosco was still pleased with himself! "I can't wait to tell Boss I done what I set out to do, even if I couldn't arrest them THIS time." he thought as he headed toward town. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke headed the General down the lane toward the farm house. Halfway down the drive he cut the motor coasting in. He hoped undetected. Jesse was in the kitchen and already had the coffee on. He heard the General's motor shut off as Luke coasted in. "Them boys really think I can't hear that danged race car from the main road." Jesse said to no one as he shook his head. Luke eased out of the car,up the steps, and ever so quietly turned the door knob. As he stepped into the kitchen hoping to quickly get to his room, Jesse stepped as quietly in behind him. With a booming voice he said, "Trying not to wake me?" Startled, Luke flatten himself against the near by sink, "You scared the like out of me!" he said in his own loud voice. The mischief showed in Jesse's eyes as he tried to keep a straight face, "Good. What do you call yourself doing sneaking in here like that at dawn?" Luke swollowed hard, "Well, Jesse, after the race we all went out. I had a bit to drink and figured I'd sleep out at the lake and come home early this morning." A little more serious, Jesse said, "Luke, your sleeping out at the lake was a responsible thing if you had been drinking. The reason I scared you is that you tried to sneak in. You are eighteen. You pull your weight here. I am glad to have you here as a young man and I expect you to follow house rules, but I don't intend to try to hold you to a time to be home. I'd like to know if you are not going to be home so I know you are OK, but the door is open and there is no need to kill the motor halfway down the drive and sneak in." Feeling kinda of low for sneaking in and the fact that Jesse said he had been responsible last night, Luke didn't want to tell his Uncle about the ticket but knew the cat would get out of the bag if he didn't. "Yes, Sir. I am sorry for trying to sneak in." He paused, "Jesse, there is something else I need to tell you. I am not so sure you'll still think I was responsible last night." Jesse poured two cups of coffee, handing Luke a cup, and listened. "After the race I was challenged to a drag race." Luke gave that a minute to sink in. "I had won the race fair, but Ralph Green must not have thought so. I went out to the lake and meet him. I think half the County was there. Halfway down the course I had him by a couple of car lenghts, I looked up to check my mirror, when I looked down, blocking the road was Rosco. Ralph boxed me in tight, there was nothing I could do....." Luke paused. Jesse still looked him in the eye. Luke almost looked away, but did not as he continued. "So, Wedesday morning I have to be in Court." he handed Jesse the ticket. "Well, I told you all when you built that danged car if you let it get you in trouble you had better be ready to get yourself out of it. Got any ideas?" Jesse asked. Luke shook his head yes. "The race money was for all of us so that's out. I figure I can talk Cooter into letting me work his hours on the wrecker between now and then with what I've already worked I should have enough to pay the ticket." "Luke, any trouble you all get into you know I'm behind you. If its a set up, if its the shine, even this I'll back you but I think you need to think about choosing to get yourself into trouble." said Jesse seriously. Luke replied, "Yes, Sir." They both heard someone else getting up. "Think I'll grab a shower before breakfast." said Luke. Jesse nodded as he sipped his coffee.

I just stopped in to wish all you Dukes, Davenports, Coltranes, Hoggs, Straights, and all the others a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I am glad I found my way "back" to this town (site). I have really enjoyed my stay. I hope you all will enjoy more of Luke and my 'adventures' in the coming year. Best Wishes DixieDavenport

Rosco returned to his office and for once in several years found the large book that was hidden under years of junk on the top of his filling cabinet. He dropped the book on the dest with a loud thud. He blew off the layers of dust and opened the book to about mid-way. He found what he was looking for. He was doing exactly what Boss had told him, looking up drag racing in the State code: "First offense was a fine of $50-100." "No jail time. Wander if Boss knows that? Let's see here about a second offense." thought Sheriff Rosco. "Second offense a fine of $50- 500 and/or 6-60 days in jail." "BINGO!" said Rosco. "Third offense a fine of $100-1000 and/or 60 -120 days." "Kew, kew, kew, I got them this time! All I have to do is catch them and ticket them ONCE then they are mine!" ~~~~~~~~~~ New character -- Sarah Lou -- Lukes 'challenge' for the evening. Shortly before midnight several cars started parking at the look out of the lake. Cooter and Kathy had parked the wrecker to the side. Cooter had the night's wrecker calls and with a race about to take place one never knew when a wrecker might come in handy. Luke was calmly leaning against the General Lee wearing his racing coveralls that Robin had gotten him with his helmet setting on the top of the General. Sarah Lou was hanging all over him. Da--, I really hate this. At least Robin did give me room to breath! thought Luke. He hoped that all this would pay off later in the night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the Davenport house, Dixie was in her room. She was supppose to be in bed hours ago. She knew about the race but neither her Dad or Cooter would let her go. She had taken the police scanner from the main room into her bedroom. At least if anything went wrong she hoped to hear about it. She had the General's plate number "CNH-320" written down. She layed quietly in bed and checked the time, 11:45pm. She sat up in bed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11:45, a short distance down the road from the lake, Rosco sat quietly. He had backed his patrol car behind a large rock that had several downed trees nearby. Rosco had taken a snack and been parked in his hiding spot for three hours now. From his spot he had heard rather than seen several cars heading out to the lake. Rosco waited. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke was surprised. Very surprised. She is with him! He did manage to hide his surprise before Robin, who was with Ralph, had a chance to see it. What she saw once she spotted Luke by the General was the female hanging off him, that he was busy kissing. Two can play this game. As Ralph was walking towards Luke, Robin caught up to him and drapped her arms around him as he walked. He had been walking with a purpose, when Robin had caught up with him. They took a few awkward steps before they reached Luke. "You ready Duke?" Luke reched into his wallet, pulling out a $100 bill. "Put up or shut up." He said handing Cooter the money. They all usually all raced for $50.00. Ralphs eyes went a bit wide at the site of the $100 challenge. He knew if he lost it would hurt but he had made the challenge. Ralph slowly handed Cooter his $100. The voice in his head told him he'd not have enough money to buy gas for the car, let a lone take Robin out tomorrow night and next weekend since payday was now 2 weeks away IF he lost. Going toward his car Ralph called Luke several choice words. Ralph was busy getting ready when Robin approached, "Let me wish you good luck." she said as she pulled him into a deep kiss. No a bit distracted Ralph was setting in the car straping in. Sarah was making a show of wishing Luke good luck. Luke peeled her of and climbed into the General Lee. He strapped in, put on his helmet and pulled to the stating line. Sharon waved a red rag around her head for them to start up and get ready. Rosco could hear the motors roaring. He started his car and pulled to the edge of the road. Sharon dropped the flag. Luke beat Ralph off the line. Ralph jumped off the line, his lighter car when it did leave the line quickly caught up to the General's drivers door. Luke smiled to himself hitting passing gear the General pulled away from the smaller car. Luke was approaching the finish line as he checked his rear view mirror. He had a clear view of the blue Chevy. He was well ahead of Ralph so he hit the clutch took the General out of gear to coast across the line. As he coasted across the line, with one eye on the mirror, Rosco pulled out boadside right in front or the General. "Sh--!!!!!!!!!" Luke said as he did everything in his power to keep from hitting the patrol car. Ralph was concentrating on losing that $100 and only saw Luke's brake lights come on. He was right on top of the General running wide open when he saw the patrol car. Luke had turned toward the left and was still sliding. Ralph locked the brakes and turned toward the right stopping about an inch from Luke which blocked his escape route back toward the lake. Ralph was so relieved he didn't hit anyone he failed to realize that Rosco was there on offical business. Rosco had already moved to the passenger side of the patrol car and was exiting the car gun in hand. "Freeze, freeze just both of you all shut those cars down and FREEZE!" Luke quickly checked his options. None! "!^(&$@(&)!!!!!" he swore as he turned off the motor and started to climb out the window. Ralph still relieved that he hadn't hit anything let out the breath he was holding, as he turned off his car. He slide to the passenger side and got out of the car. At the wide spot at the lake everyone who had anything strong than mouthwash was busy. Several started to jump in there rides and leave. Cooter, Bo and Mark were wise enought to discourage this. "Look the heat is down there right not. Don't bring it up here." stated Mark. "I want your license, registration, and proof of insurance right now!" exclaimed Rosco. Luke reached above the sun visor, retrieving the envelop that had the registration and insurance papers. Ralph now cursing reached into the glove box for his information. Rosco, being a top notched law enforcement agent (At the time.) reached for his mike, "Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane to Sheriffs office." "Trainee Straight at Sheriffs Office. Go ahead Sheriff." said young Enos Straight. "Trainee Straight. I need a 10-27 and 10-28 (Lisence and Registration check) on Hazzard CNH-320 and Placid YAK-280, also, E285366 and E306654." Enos replied, "Both are 'valid - zero points', 'negative NCIC'. "10-4", stated Rosco into the mic as he opened his ticket book. He wrote one ticket then the next. He then handed one to Luke and the other to Ralph. "The Tri-county Judge will be in Hazzard on Wednesday. Court starts at 10 am. I suggest you be there!" He turned on his heel and walked to his car. Once in the car he keyed the mic, "Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane to Sheriffs office." "Trainee Straight at Sheriffs Office. Go ahead Sheriff." Enos. "Tickets 100 and 101 issued." said Rosco. He was pleased as punch with himself! "10-4 Sheriff." sighed Enos.

Cooter looked up from his own car as he heard the approaching General Lee. Dixie was off her stool and opening the garage doors before Cooter got there. Bo wheeled the powerful car into the garage. "Hey, hey, thought you two were grounded?" Called Cooter. "What can we say? Jesse does have a heart." replied Bo, as he got out the General. Dixie smiled, "Well, good! I've been waiting all summer to see y'all race him." "Did it ever get settled who I'm going to beat?" asked Cooter. "Funny!" said Luke sacrcastically. Bo replied, "Luke's driving him this time. Remember Cooter next race of any kind it's my turn." "Like you are about to let me forget." sighed Luke. Dixie just watched the guys exchange insults. Glad that Luke would be driving the General. "We had better get at it." stated Cooter. "Yeah, Jesse expecs us to stay here tonight if that's OK. Figured we'd be up most of the night." stated Luke. Cooter agreed, "You have got that right! Yeah, it will be OK." They popped the hood and got to work. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Welcome folks to the Third Annual Overland Race. The starting positions were arranged from front to back with people who have never ran this race being given the advantage of starting first. Points were awarded to the drivers who have ran the past two years. Those drivers with less points will start behind the random field of new comers! Those with the most points are starting todays race in the back!" announced Boss Hogg. "The starting line up is as follows: First - Ralph Green, Second - Enos Straight, Third - Cletus Hogg, Fourth - Rosco Coltrane, Fifth - Mark McCormick, Sixth - Cooter Davenport, Seventh - Bo or Luke Duke. Line 'em up fellows!" Exclaimed Boss Hogg. "Looks like he wants us to earn the win this year." said Luke as he and Mark headed to their cars. The starting flag dropped as the seven cars sped off! Mark, Cooter and Luke were setting back waiting for the first four to fight amoungst themselves awhile. Just before completion of the first lap Ralph and Rosco had wiped out. By the third lap Cletus had become stuck on the guard rail, Enos was in Hazzard Pond. The last three remaining cars entered the final turn together three wide. Luke had to give the General everything he had to take the win by a foot. Mark and Cooter tied for second. Luke, Mark and Cooter were outside their cars congratulating each other on the race when Ralph Green approached the three. "You might have won this chicken s----- race, but I'll challenge YOU to a drag race. Just the two of us!" Insisted Ralph who was only inches from Luke. "You just name the time and place!" Luke said as he looked down on the shorter young man. "Midnight! Lake road! Tonight!" insisted Ralph. Luke was mad and not thinking. "You are on!" Exclaimed Luke as he walked away. ~~~~~~~~~~~ In Boss Hogg's Office--- "Rosco, you ninnie! You were there when that Green guy challenged Luke Duke to a drag race tonight!?" he half asked and half told his half witted Sheriff. "Well, yeah, Boss I was....." Rosco was interrupted. "In case you didn't know it, drag racing is illegal!....Look it up!" exclaimed Boss. "Ooo, Oooo, Oooo, I got it! I'll just nail them!" Smiled Rosco. "Rosco, that Bo and Luke are eighteen. That other one, Jeb, isn't far behind. Then there's I dont' know how many more of them. Jesse Duke will run me out of business if you don't put a lid on them before those boys start driving for Old Jesse full time! Now, you know the time, the place, and the cars. There is no way even you can mess this one up. Now get that Luke Duke! You haven't so much as ticketed him since he's been eighteen." exclaimed Boss Hogg. "I'm gone!" said Rosco. "Rosco, if you don't catch them you will be,... the night rent a cop,... at the drive in deli,... on Frontage Road!"

It was late June. Bo and Luke were digging at an old stump in the back 40. "You drove him last year, Bo. It is my turn to run him this year." Luke said as he kicked the shovel again. Bo leaned on his shovel a second to argue back. "Yes, I drove him last 4th but you have driven him in more races!" exclaimed Bo as he kicked his shovel hard. He about half wished it was his older cousin he was kicking. "I can not help that I am older!" replied Luke as he kicked the shovel again. A little louder, "And I can not help than I am a whole eight months younger either!" exclaimed Bo as he kicked his shovel again for emphases. Jesse was slowly, quietly walking up watching this exchange. It was the beginning of this heated discussion that earned the two this particular chore today. "Bo Duke you are impossible!" shouted Luke. "Now, Luke!....." Bo's reply was shortened by Jesse whistling between his teeth for them to cease. "Haven't you two worked this thing out yet? I thought by sending you two out here to fight with this stump you would quit fighting each other!" said Jesse. "I told you two when you all got that car I would not take sides or say who drove him when. And if you two worked together instead of against each other you might get this stump out of here this year! Get to working together and figure a way to settle this race thing, soon." Jesse turned and walked away back to the house. He wasn't really as mad as he acted. He was trying to get them to think and work as a team. Both boys stood watching Jesse walk away. Bo was the first to speak, "Got any ideas?" "Oh, now you want to hear about my ideas." replied Luke as he leaned against the stubborn stump. "We could go back and get rope and try to pull it out of here with the pick up." "Do you think it will work?" asked Bo. "I don't know but it sure beats this." He said as he tossed his shovel to the side. The boys returned to the barn for rope and the pick up. As Luke exited the barn he happened to see Jesse's box of blasting caps. "Bo I have an idea." He said as he picked up the plunger, wire, a blasting cap and a stick of dynamite. Bo walked in to see what Luke's idea was. Seeing the dynamite he picked up a second stick, "Jesse said for us to work together. They both had a good laugh. Back at the stump they used the rope to pull the heavy stump up as far as they could get it. Bo held the tension with the truck as Luke set the charges. Bo released the rope and pulled the pickup a safe distance away. Luke added several more yards of wire due to using two sticks of dyanmite. He connected the plunger as Bo sat beside him. "Ok, here's to working together." He passed the plunger to Bo. Back at the farm house Jesse was feeding the chickens when he heard a HARENDASS BOOM!!!!! At first he thought it was maybe a still exploding close by but knew there was none that CLOSE. That had been right here. The back forty!! He took off at a hurried pace. Those boys! If they are OK I'll KILL them! he fummed as he walked. Crawling back out of their 'hiding' spots Bo and Luke first saw Jesse hurrying their way, then saw the stump, whole and intact setting in a new hole about twenty feet from where it started from. One look at Jesse told them he was not in a good mood. "What in tarnation are you two trying to do." exclamed Jesse. "You told us to work together." Bo said before Luke could shut him up. "More like being grounded together!" said Luke a little louder than he wanted, as Jesse heard him. Jesse said, "That's a good idea there Luke. Now get to the house! And I wouldn't worry about who's driving the General Lee in the race." Knowing they had pushed way too far, they went to the house like two scolded pups. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The day before the race Jesse found Bo and Luke moping around on the porch. He sat his coffee down, picked up his stick, taking out his pocket knife. "Should I let you race the General tomorrow......Who'd drive?" Luke looked at him and said, "Bo." As Bo had also said, "Luke." Jesse took a couple of passes at his walking stick that he was making. "You have five minutes. Draw straws, arm wrestle, flip a coin, but tell me whos' driving tomorrow." The boys walked to the yard. Five minutes passed when Jesse called them, "Boys?" They had indeed flipped a coin. Bo spoke up. "Luke is driving tomorrow, Uncle Jesse. But the next racing event is mine, then his, etc...." "Well, mark it on the calendar or something. I'm not having this go on again." said Jesse. Both boys asked in unisone, "Yes, Sir." "I guess you two better get him tooned up. I'll excuse you from supper if you like." said Jesse. Both boys thanked and hugged him as the headed to the garage for the last minute preparations for the race.

NARRATOR: Dixie, being a true 'Davenport' at heart, it didn't take long for Dixie to be a real asset to the garage. Before long Luther, Cooter and Luke had her callling places for prices on parts. She proved that she was a natural, easily picking up on the information required to do the price checks. She pumped the gas and took the wrecker calls down for the men. "Dad, Rosco is stuck up again, out on Mill Road, past the lake." called Dixie. "Luke, it's your turn to fish him out." replied Luther, who was up to his elbows in an engine. "Yeah. Yeah. Thanks." replied Luke as he headed for the wrecker. It had been a slow, boring day at the garage. Dixie asked, "Dad, can I ride along? I hear ya'll talking about the messes Rosco gets into. I'd like to see one for myself." "I don't care, if Luke doesn't?" he said as a question. "But, you had better listen and stay out of the way." Luther reminded. "I will. I promise." she rolled her big brown eyes towards Luke, "Can I go? Please?" "Sure. Jump in. As many parts as you've hunted for me I owe you this one anyway." Luke said as he closed his door on the wrecker. NARRATOR: Old Rosco had really out done himself this time. He was stuck but good! When Luke approached the area that Dixie had described, as Rosco had told her, he didn't see any vehicles at all. Luke slowed down to keep from missing him. Finally he saw Rosco walking toward him. "What the heck?" asked Luke. "Where's your car?" Rosco replied, "Just up the road a spell." Rosco got in the wrecker with Luke and Dixie, taking them to the spot he was stuck in. "Ok, Rosco,I still don't see your car." said Luke. "Just get out and look over right there. You should be able to see one of the lights from here." stated Rosco. He continued, "See there,.... was,... this deer....." "Never mind! I see it......... I think." grumbled Luke as he shook his head. "It's going to take at least two trips down THAT to be able to get it back up here. What kind of shape is it in Rosco?" "Oh, it's not hurt. Well, maybe a crumpled bumped, but it should be alright otherwise." said the Sheriff. Climbing out the drivers' door, Dixie asked, "Luke, if you tell me what you need, I'm willing to try to help." Luke sighed. He had little choice. Either try to use Dixie's help or make several trips up and down the step bank. "Ok, but don't tell you Dad just yet?" "Scout's honor!" replied Dixie. Luke set the wrecker to ready it to haul the patrol car up the hill. He felt that he could trust Dixie more than Rosco for help. "This lever releases the cable. Release it slowly as I take it down. Once I get it there and attached, slowly move this one to tighten the cable to bring the car up. I'll walk in front of it, in case we need to rehook it." Luke said as he started over the steep bank with the cable. With Dixie's help Luke was able to get the patrol car up the bank a lot easier then he had figured at first. It had still taken then about an hour to inch the car up the bank. Luke then checked the car out. "It looks Ok, Rosco. You can drive it or I can tow it on in if you want?" said Luke. "If its all the same to you, I'll drive it in. Boss may not be so mad if its running when he sees it, kew kew kew...." said Rosco heading for the car. Luke said as he walked back to the tow truck, "Until he sees the bill." to finish putting the cables back up. Dixie couldn't help but laugh. As they started back down the road Luke said, "Thanks for your help back there, Kiddo. I'd still have been climbing up and down that bank back there fighting with that danged car." "I'm glad I could help. I thought it was fun." she paused, "I'm hoping to learn as much as I can this summer about the garage. Mom is always putting the garage down and I don't know why............" Luke found himself only about half listening to the rest of her conversation as they drove back to the garage.

Due to the lenght of the this story and the "changing times in 'my' Hazzard" I thought it was a good time to split the story. -- If you start reading here and like it you may need to read Luke's First Love for background information---- Enjoy ---- Thanks Dixie ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Welcome to: Lukes First Love --- PART 2 After the graduation ceremonies Luke and the guys had week of fishing, camping and drinking planned. Luke, Bo, Cooter, Mark, Jeb, Vance, and Coy piled into Jesse's pickup which had already been loaded with all their camping supplies and fishing pools. Jesse had agreed to let the use the truck for the week while Luther Davenport agreed to run the garage and wrecker alone all week as their presents to the graduates. Returning from the fishing trip was a 'new experience' for the graduates. They left as high school Seniors but returned as young adults expected to pull their weights as such. Though for Bo and the others it was summer vacation as usual. Luke's first day back started much like they had for years, with the morning chores, then he and Jesse worked on the fence in the back forty. After a bit of lunch he headed to town to work at the garage until closing when he'd take the wrecker home until midnight. Cooter would have it until noon the next day. When Luke arrived at the garage, Luther had a Ford Toreno in the garage and had been replacing the motor for Mr. Davis. Luke surveyed the motor and began hooking up the 'spaghetti' of wires. Luke was under the hood when a girl asked, "What ya doing?" Luke turned to see a girl in a baseball hat with a short brown pony tail hanging out the back. She had on blue jeans and a 'Hazzard Garage' T-Shirt. She looked a little familar but Luke could not place her until Luther said, "Now, Dixie, don't be bothering Luke when he's trying to get some work done." Dixie? thought Luke. No that couldn't be Cooter's little sister, Dixie. "I remember you!" Exclaimed the young girl. "You and Cooter used to try to scare me with worms. It didn't work. I even bait my own hook now. I just had to get over not wanting to 'hurt' them." she smiled. NARRATOR: See Cooter's Dad and Mother had split up many years ago. Luther raised Cooter. His wife raised Dixie. It seemed they agreed to disagree. They had split up but didn't divorce. "So you are the little brat that always wanted to follow us, not stay at home and play with her dolls." Luke kidded. Dixie snurreled up her nose, "Don't even mention dolls to me! I've seen more dolls and lace than I even cared to at home with Mom. That's why I wanted to spend the summer with Daddy!" "Oh, Lord." exclaimed Luke. "You can say that again! Please deliver us!" said Luther as he entered the garage. "Tell Jesse that I may be calling him. Don't get me wrong. I love you Dixie, but it has been awhile since I've had to handle you. Let alone do it without your Mother." "Oh, Daddy!" she exclaimed. Luke just smiled at the two. "I'll be sure to tell Uncle Jesse. Besides if he can handle Daisy AND us......." Luke had said the magic word, "Daisy!" squilled Dixie. "See, Daddy, I will have someone to hang out with!" Luther rolled his eyes. Luke shrugged his shoulders. "Ok, but we have work to do here first." said Luther. "Alright! What can I do?" asked Dixie eagerly. Luther sighed. It was going to be a long summer! "For starters, you can answer the phone and listen to the CB radio for wrecker calls." "I could always pump the gas and take the money so that you all don't have to quit working everytime someone pulls up for a couple dollars of gas." she offered. Luke had to give her credit it did make since. Even Luther saw that she may be able to be of benefit to him after all. "Ok, honey. You have got yourself a job." replied Luther. Dixie smiled. Being very pleased with herself.

NARRATOR: Things in Hazzard were a bit tense as the Prom aproached. Luke and Robin had given back each other's personal things. Though, they both kept the gifts from one another. Luke was asked by many girls to the Prom but continued to turn them all down. He knew if he went, saw Robin with Ralph, it wouldn't take much to push his buttons and he would end up in a bunch of trouble. Luke offered to take Cooter's turn with the wrecker that night so that Cooter could take Kathy to the Prom and not have to be back by midnight to work the wrecker. Mark took Sharon to the Prom. Luke wasn't drinking as much as he had been becasue he was throwing himself into work. If he wasn't working at the farm or running shine, he was driving the wrecker. Jesse and the others were glad but also worried that he was 'over doing it'. Sharon was never one to really hang out with the girls from Hazzard. Most of her friends were from Chichasaw County. They really had a reputation for being trouble. The guys had many times tried to talk to Mark but he was head over heels for her so they were polite for Mark.

Luke found Bill at the Boars Nest talking to Jesse and Luther Davenport. "Bill, could we talk? Please?" asked Luke. Bill excused himself from his friends as Luke ordered a bottle of beer and Pop. Again they walkled outside by the stream. "I just left Robin. As you know things have been pretty bad since Christmas. We have not seen much of each other nor have I been over but a couple of times since Christmas. We just had a long talk. She gave me an ultimatum, either I tell her we'd be married within two years or she was marrying Ralph......" Bill asked, "And?" "I told her I hope they have a nice life together." replied Luke as he took a long drink of his beer. "I see." said Bill. "The last time I stayed with 'Mark' was Easter break." Luke stated for the record. Bill replied, "Yes, I know. I'm sorry things didn't work out with you two. I had kinda gotten used to having you around. But, you never know what the future holds...." "I had gotten used to being around, too. I love her, but I can't promise her anything now. I think it would be unfair to us both if I did when I know that I'm not ready now to settle down and I can't be sure when I will be." stated Luke. "I can respect that." stated Bill. "I don't want her to mess up her life but I can't lie to save her either. " stated Luke Bill replied, "I understand that. " He extended his hand. Luke took it and they shook hands.

Luke headed up the mountain above Robin's house. He'd have to find a spot large enough to park both cars that her car could get to. Finding a spot he thought would work he swung wide so that he was heading back down the mountain. Robin pulled in behind him. Luke got out and went back to her car getting in the passenger side. They set in silence a moment. Finally, Robin looked at Luke, "Prom is just a few weeks away." Luke nodded, "Yeah, and there is no one I'd rather go with than you." "I feel the same way. I have been asked by several guys but haven't accepted any of them." Luke felt a glimmer of hope. "I'd love to go with you. Luke. I have dreamed of nothing else since we started dating, but I can't go back to what we had before." she paused letting that bit of news sink in. "I need to KNOW that we are going somewhere. We have been through three Christmas and Valentine's and you have made no commitments....." she sniffed as tears came into her eyes, "I'm not talking about tomorrow. I can hold on, if I KNOW we will have something,..... say in the next two years." The silence in the car was deafening as Luke absorbed what she had said. Making sure he understood her, "So, you are saying, that you will go to the Prom with me if I can promise that within the next two years we will get married?" "Luke, if we go to the Prom together and I am wearing your ring by graduation, then I can wait for you. I think asking that our engagement last two years or under is fair. I mean we have already been together the better part of three years." stated Robin as tears ran down her checks. "If I can't tell you that?" asked Luke. "Then, I plan on going to the Prom with someone who has already asked me to marry them." stated Robin matter-of-factly. "So basically, you are giving me an ultimatum. Either I tell you that we will be married in the next two years or you'll marry someone else?" Asked Luke trying to keep all emotion out of his voice. Robin nodded, 'yes'. "Can I ask who you plan on going to the prom and marrying if I can't tell you that?" questioned Luke. Robin said, in a voice barely heard by herself or Luke, "Ralph Green." Luke couldn't help the surprised look on his face. "You are giving me an ultimatum. Either I tell you, I'll marry you with in two years or you will marry Ralph? Of all people!" he added. Robin said, "Yes." Several minutes of silence passed as Luke considered his options. He knew that had she not tried to force his hand, that most likely they would have patched things up eventually and most likely in the next two years he would have proposed. He also knew that letting her go to the Prom with anyone else, especially Ralph, would be the beginning of the end. Luke was not happy about being given an ultimatum. Yet, he knew he loved Robin like he had loved no other girl. Luke swollowed the lump in his throat and said, "Robin, I love you. I love you more than I can say." Luke leaned across the seat taking Robin who was shaking in his arms, kissing her long and deeply. Then looked her in the eye and said, "I hope you and Ralph are very happy together." Luke said through a slightly cracking voice. "I'll be by next week for my things." He got out of Robin's car. Walked to the General Lee, climbed through the window, started him up and burn out letting the General turn totally around in the road. Before reaching Robin's house, Luke stopped and waited until he saw Robin's car behind him. Seeing the car coming up behind him, knowing that she could make it to the house from there, he again burn out leaving her in a cloud of dust.

The Senior Prom was less than a month away. Robin had been asked several times but still hoped Luke would call. There was no one Luke wanted to take to his Senior Prom more than Robin, yet, that stubborn Duke pride kept him from calling. Mark saw the pain his sister and best friend were going through and decided to nudge things a little............ "Luke, I'm having some trouble out of the Firebird that's why I drove Dad's truck today. Do you think you can come over after school and give me a hand?" asked Mark. Luke smiled, "Mark, you know that I have been staying away from your house on purpose." Mark looked at Luke, "Yeah, I do, but I thought you said we would be friends no matter what happened between you and Robin. Besides she may not even be home when we get there." "You have got me there. Yeah, I come over after school." replied Luke. "Great! I'll meet you out here after the bell rings." stated Mark as he headed off to class. After school Mark and Luke went to Mark's house. They had parked, Luke was changing into one of Marks shirts as Mark raised the hood on the Firebird. About this time Robin pulled into the yard. Luke knew she had pulled in but continued what he was doing. It took him a few minutes to find the loose wire that was giving Mark his trouble. Which, unknown to Luke, Mark had loosened the night before. As Luke and Mark were finishing up on the Firebird Robin came outside. As she approached the two both Robin and Luke spoke at the same time, "Can we talk?" they asked in unison. The three friends smiles at each other. "Care to take a ride?" asked Luke. Robin said, "OK." She headed to her car. "But, I'd like us to each take our own cars." Surprised, Luke nodded, OK. As the two pulled out of the yard Luke in the General Lee and Robin in her car, Mark was glad he had pulled the shuck and jive on Luke. At least they were going to talk.

NARRATOR: Things went well for Robin and Luke up until the next Christmas. They had their disagreements but they were a steady couple. Luke had even gotten out the ring his Father had given his Mother as an engagement ring. He had it polished at a jewelers outside of Hazzard. He placed in his top dresser drawer. Several times before Christmas he took it out and looked at it but could not help get the feeling that he was just too young to promise to be with Robin all his life. Robin was CERTAIN that this year she would wear Luke's ring. Christmas Eve found Luke and Robin parked at the lakes overlook. Luke handed Robin a large box. Robin opened it and found a small jewelry box setting on an outfit that she had been wanting for months. She hugged Luke tightly for the outfit. Then she nervously picked up the jewelry box. She beamed with delight as she opened the box. She carefully moved the cotton inside the box to find a beautiful necklace with a diamond chip as the dot of the "I" in Robin. She tried to hide the disappointment and shock when she saw the necklace. "It's beautiful." she said with a weak smile. She did like the presents but they were not what she had hoped for. Robin had gotten Luke a turquoise belt buckle, belt and knife case containing a knife that Luke had admired for quiet some time, that he would wear for years. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ During Christmas break, Jesse made the time to have a serious talk with Luke. One unseasonably warm night Jesse was on the porch whittling as Luke sat down with a cup off coffee. He had the wrecker overnight for calls. "Luke, in a couple of weeks you will turn 18. I know you have gotten away with a lot the last couple of years. Just remember that once you turn 18, that Rosco and the others WILL be gunning for you. There wasn't much they could do to you before, but after you turn 18 they will be out to get you." "They haven't caught me yet." replied Luke. Jesse looked at his nephew. Sometimes Luke could act like he knew everything and this tended to bother Jesse to no end. He replied, "Maybe. But it could also be that there was no real point in trying since they couldn't lock you up. They figure if they get you all out of the way it will put us out of business. Just keep your eyes open for any set up. From running shine to who might ask you to buy them a beer. For goodness sake be careful of the girls you date. With you all being the Casanova's of Hazzard they could easily try to have some young thing get to you. I'm telling you they have been laid back waiting for you, Bo, and the others to turn 18." Luke saw that Jesse was totally serious.He also, saw the worry in his Uncles' eyes. He let the information sink in. "You know you could be right. I've had them chase me on runs but as soon as they got close enough for them to see it was me I lost them way to easily." Luke turned 18 in January, followed by Robin in February. Luke saw little things that made him more convienced that Jesse had been right. He was approached by several classmates younger than him asking him to buy them a beer at the Boars Nest. He would tell them if they were old enough to buy it then they didn't need him to buy it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Valentine's Day was approaching. Luke again thought of giving Robin the ring but felt it would not work. Instead, Luke had the florist deliver a dozen roses and balloon to Robin at school. Setting in her seat of the General Lee was a huge stuffed bear that held a heart saying "I Love You!" Robin again liked the presents but it was not what she wanted. Most of Robin's friends were envious of the gifts as their boyfriends did not have the extra money that Luke had to spend. Yet, several of her friends were sporting engagement rings and beginning to plan for after graduation weddings. As Spring sprung in Hazzard, love was in the air for all of Hazzard except Luke and Robin. Luke had stayed at Robin's only a few times since Christmas. Robin tried to act pleased around her friends with Luke's presents but she really wanted a commitment that Luke wasn't ready to give. Finally it came down to a discussion between them, where Robin suggested they see other people for awhile. Luke had to agree. He knew if she had given him a little time that he most likely would have given her the ring he knew she wanted. A week passed. Then, another, still Robin and Luke didn't go out with each other. Robin had went out with several guys a time or two. After about two months Luke decided he ask someone out. He began to ask out girls that he thought were 'easy', more ofter than not getting what he wanted by at least the second date. Then, he'd move on to the next challenge. Luke was also drinking pretty heavy. Usually when he and Bo would double date, Bo almost always found himself driving home. The only time that Luke would go out and not drink was when he had the wrecker. Bo, Jesse and the others were worried but felt it was a 'stage' he was going through and decided to give him some time and room to work it out.

The next morning found Luke in the McComick kitchen sipping on a cup of freshly made coffee as Robin's father made his way down the stairs. Luke poured a second cup of coffee and handed it to her father. "You know we have a problem that neither of us considered." stated Luke. Sipping the hot brew Bill asked, "What would that be?" Luke uttered one word, "David." "We'll talk to Mark. Then I'll 'handle' David." replied Bill in a totally serious demeanor. NARRATOR: The conversation with Mark went well. The three men had agreed that IF David shot off his mouth, that the same story from the three of them would discredit the story of the youngest brother. Robin's Dad would make life hard on his youngest son if he decided to tell what he thought he knew."

He went to her side and helped her out of the car. He reached in and got his jacket covering something. Inside they removed their shoes and headed to the stairs. Bill was reading a western in the den as they approached the steps. He looked at Luke questioning. Luke nodded, toward the upstairs as he took Robins' hand and headed up the stairs. Robin felt her face blush. She felt like she blushed for the next 10 minutes. At the top of the stairs Luke entered her room for the first time. Robin looked toward her closet, "David's room connects through the closet. You need to figure a way to block him off or he'll be camped out in there all night." she was more than a bit nervous, saying, "I'll be right back." She opened a dresser drawer, grabbing something, she headed down the hall the the bathroom. Luke looked around the room trying to figure how to block the closet. He took his pocket knife from its case on his belt. He placed it between the door and the door facing. That would stop the door from opening. He then noticed an extra blanket on folded on the foot of the bed. Looking at the make up table he found 2 nail files. Using the nail files he secured the blanket to the door facing to keep the younger brother from peeping through cracks in and under the door. He also noticed Robin had several candles on the dresser and tables. He took a minute to light them before Robin returned to her room wearing a heavy, fluffy bath robe and slippers. Robin locked the door behind her. Luke handed her an open Mason jar of Jesse's finest shine, she took a sip as she undone her fluffy robe reveling a long sheer black nightgown........................ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The gang watched as Mark raced another race against a Camero. Mark won hands down. There was several more races before they decided that they had ran long enough and had better cool it before Rosco got wind of the racing. As the racing action was finished for the night several cars soon left. A small fire was built for roasting marshmellows and hot dogs. Luke and Robin were walking around the small lake when they stopped on the other side in a small clearing. They stopped listening to the sounds of Spring. Crickets, frogs and an occassional whiperwill and owl could be heard. Luke took Robin into his arms and kissed gently. The kiss intensified, suddenly it was much warmer on the lakeside than it had been minutes before. Robin stepped closer to Luke letting her body lean against his muscular form. Robin was sure there was ten thousand butterflies in her stomach. Luke was finding it hard to breath and even harder to do what he must do. Robin untucked the back of his shirt. Lukes hand also began to wander. Robin whispered, "Make love to me." This stopped Luke right where he was. He had waited over a year and a half to hear her say this. "You're sure?" "Yes." she said barely a whisper. "Ok, if you are sure now, you'll be sure in a hour. Let's go." stated Luke taking her hand. "Wait a minute. Where are you going in such a hurry and what does and hour have to do with it?" question Robin breathlessly. Luke stopped. "Look, if we're going to do this is will be right and not out here." Not sure what Luke had in mind and not knowing about his conversation with her Dad, Robin followed Luke trusting he knew what was best. They returned to the campfire. Cooter and Kathy were making out at fire side. Mark and Sharon had steamed the windows of the Firebird up. Everyone else had left. Luke helped Robin into the window of the General Lee. Cooter called, "It's still early, where are you guys going?" Luke replied over his shoulder, "Got to get Robin home before she turns into a pumpkin. Tell Mark I'm spending the night with him tonight." Luke managed to say so it was known he was staying 'with Mark'. A couple of miles from the lake Luke pulled off in a wide spot and cut the engine off. I'll be right back in a few minutes. thinking he was going on a nature call Robin thought nothing of it. Several minutes passed before Luke returned with something wrapped in his jacket. He restarted the General and they headed straight for Robin's house. "Luke what are you doing? I thought ........." she said as he hushed her. "Shhh. I've got this figured out. I'll explain in a bit. Just trust me." said Luke. Robin was more than a bit confussed but decided to see what Luke had in mind. Pulling in Robin's driveway gate, Luke stopped, backed up to the front of the unused garage door, and cut the motor. "I don't know if your Dad talked to you but we have an agreement." Robin was giving him a puzzled look that told him she knew nothing of there agreement. "Ok, your Dad may not be real happy with us tomorrow but he did give me permission to spend the night with you as long as everyone else thinks I'm staying with Mark. He didn't want your first time to be out in a back seat or a cheep motel..." Luke said as Robin interupted. "Luke, how long ago have you had this conversation with Daddy?" questioned Robin. Luke said, "Back last fall after we went up on the mountain and made up." "You had permission that long and you didn't tell me?" Robin asked. Luke replied, "I wanted you to let me know when you were ready." "I'm ready." Robin said quietly. Luke nodded as he exited the General.

NARRATOR: Well, Luke and Robin made up. He had gained acceptance from Bill. The Hazzard Cougars again took the Championship. The holidays passed and all of Hazzard rang in a New Year. Robin had hoped for a ring from Luke this year but instead he got her several more charms for her bracelet and a pair of dress boots he knew she wanted. She had gotten him a racing helmet and fire proof suit. Luke turned 17 in Janauary and Robin in February. As Easter break was fast approaching Luke still had not stayed with Robin at her house. Jeb had also gotten drivers license. Hazzard County was coming alive with the sounds of Spring after a long winter. The weather was warmer and with the warm weather the females exchanged their winter clothes for much skimper Spring clothes, much to the delight of the males. Mark and Sharon had started coming in very late. Cooter and Kathy had also been taking the long way home. Bo was 'playing the field' just having a good time with all the girls though he was still interested in Jill. She still had he sights elsewhere. Early evening, the night that started Easter break was Cooter's turn to have the wrecker over night. Luke had arranged for an off night with Jesse saying he might spend the night at Marks. The gang had decided to go out the lake where they could have privacy and listen to their music. There was a long straight road which ran the lenght of the lake which had been used to drag race for years. Parked in a wide spot over looking the moonlite lake was the General Lee, the wrecker, Mark's Firebird, Jesse pickup (Bo and Jeb showed up without dates.), and many other cars. Everyone was enjoying the music, some had brought coolers of beer, others pop, some one had brought hot dogs and several bags of marshmellows. The guys were looking under the hoods of the cars making some adjustments in case the chance to race them came along. The females were mostly talking amoung themselves about the guys and changing the music. Luke had a beer in his hand but had only sipped it hoping to get a chance to do some racing tonight. He and Cooter had the timing just about as good as they could expect when Mark McCormick walked up. "Care to try your luck?" asked Mark. "That's why I'm doing all this work." Smiled Luke handing his beer to Bo. "I'm riding!" exclaimed Bo handing the beer off to Cooter. The boys had already installed the roll cage. Luke opened the trunk and took out his racing suit and helmet. He also tossed another helmet to Bo. Robin sees what is taking place as Luke is hooking up the 4 point seat-belt. "Oh, Lord! Look at those fools." She said. She knew there was no point in trying to stop Luke, but was glad she had gotten him the added protection for Christmas. even if he was just racing her brother things could go wrong. Mark was in the Firebird which was not equiped with the racing extras that the General Lee had. He also wasn't wearing a helmet or fire suit. He had pulled the Firebird to the makeshift startline. Luke also pulled to the line as the crowd spread out along the 'race course'. Sharon was all for the race and was acting as the starter. Cooter held the $50 dollars from each driver. Jeb walked up to Robin, "Relax they are just having fun." "I know. I still can't help but worry. That's why I got him the helmet and things for Christmas. I figure if he's got to do this at least he should be as safe as possible." The engines roared to life as the flag dropped. Robin held her breath. The Firebird was lighter and got the lead. A second later Luke hit another gear and the Dodge Charger leaped ahead of the Firebird. Checking the rear view mirror Luke could see the Firebird and shifted to Neutral well before drifting across the finish line ahead of the Firebird. The two cars circled and headed back to the crowd of friends. Luke and Bo climbed out of the window as Mark opened his door and got out of the car. They both shook hands on a good clean race. Most of these guys respected a paint job taking a lose as opposided to messing up someone else's or their own paint which Cooter greatly appreciated even then. Cooter paid Luke as Robin walked up. Her face showed relief, this was her first time watching Luke drag race. Luke hugged her. She felt very tense. Mark asked, "How about two out of three?" Keeping his arm around Robin Luke nodded, "Not tonight." Luke decided not to race again tonight because it upset Robin. They would have to talk about this but not tonight. He didn't want her to ask him not to race again so he decided this before she could ask. He would not be 'hen pecked' but he'd conceed this time to the unasked request. He also saw the excitement in Bo's eyes. "Care to give Mark a chance to win his money back?" "Alright!" Bo exclaimed. As Luke tossed him the keys he had created a monster! Bo had been driving awhile and had raced for fun but not like this! Luke helped him get stapped in. Jeb would be riding shot gun. "Bo you're not going to have to run him all out to beat the Firebird. Just give him what he needs to win, but hang on to him. Don't let him get out from under you." All Bo said was "Ok." Luke knew he might as well have been talking to a tree. The flag dropped, Bo popped the clutch, the powerful machine kicked left, Luke cursed, Bo grabbed second, the General Lee kicked to the right, Bo hit third and the General kicked back to the left and came all the way around in a 360 degree turn, Bo wisely let off just a bit and continued to the finish line just in front of the Firebird as Luke was promising to kill him. Both cars circled and returnd to the start line. "Would you like to tell me just what the H-- that was?" exclaimed Luke as Bo climbed out the General's window. "Take it easy me and the General were just coming to an understanding." replied Bo grinning form ear to ear. "I'm glad you did. I hope you understand that you pull that stunt again you'll need alot of understanding!" Luke fussed.